Responding to Subpoenas

This Smithsonian Directive (SD) provides a uniform administrative policy and procedures for handling Subpoenas issued to the Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian) or its employees or other individuals as defined below (Covered Persons). Although the Smithsonian responds to written requests for Smithsonian information in a manner that is consistent with the principles of disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act as described more fully in SD 807, a request that is submitted in the form of a Subpoena or that seeks Expert Witness services involves a specific litigation process and imposes certain legal obligations and deadlines. Under this SD, the Smithsonian will respond to Subpoenas and requests for Expert Witness services in a uniform and impartial manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and rules of judicial and administrative entities.